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Growing Potted Chrysanthemums
as House Plants

I'm in a situation where we had invested in a large number of potted mums this
fall, and am now not quite sure as to the best method of preparing them for winter.
I have been told that one may store the plants after they dry out for the entire
winter and should be able to re-establish them in the garden in the spring. Please
advise as to the method of storage that would allow for the best possible outcome
next year. BM in NJ
***
Hi B, You didn't mention what
type of facilities you have for storage,so I'll go for the best case scenario.
Once the flowers fade,Move the plants to a cool but well-lighted location. Remove
any foil or other covering from the pot at this time. Be sure to keep your plants
watered, but don't over water them. When the potting soil dries to a depth of
two to three inches, water them well so that water runs out the hole in the bottom
of the pot.
By keeping the plant in a cool, brightly lighted location, you can keep the plants
alive until the worst of the winter is past and you can plant it outdoors. If
there is no new growth, it can be planted while the freezing temperatures are
expected at night.
If new growth is present, wait until frost is past to plant outside. Gradually
acclimatize the plants as you bring them to life in the spring. Place them in
a protected part of the garden, with partial shade, during the day, and in your
coolest room at night. As the temperatures moderate, so there is less variance
between day and night temperatures, you can leave them out.
When frost danger has passed, give em a shot of a 'bloom' fertilizer, for the
earliest flowers.
Happy Holidays,
Bill